It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.

Liquor Licence

A liquor licence is required if you will be serving alcohol as part of your business. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is responsible for administering the Liquor Licence Act (LLA) that covers aspects of Ontario's beverage alcohol laws. These laws provide the regulatory requirements for responsible sale and service of beverage alcohol in the Province. It is your responsibility to contact the AGCO if you require a liquor licence in the Province of Ontario.

A business that requires a new liquor sales licence, wishes to licence an outdoor space such as a patio, or increase the licensed capacity of the establishment, must contact the AGCO for the current regulations and forms. If AGCO requires you to submit a Municipal Information Form, please deliver the completed form to the Clerk's division.

If AGCO requires you to submit an Agency Letter of Approval, please submit to the Clerk's division, where it will then be circulated to the Township's building division and fire department.

Please submit all forms to the Township well in advance from when you need to submit the form(s) to AGCO to allow time for staff to review.

You are responsible for collecting the completed and signed forms from the Clerk and each of the agencies and submitting the documents to the AGCO.

Special Occasion Permits

The AGCO administers the Special Occasion Permit (SOP) program, which allows for the sale and service of alcohol on special occasions, such as cash bars at weddings or private receptions, as well as larger scale events that are open to the public, such as charity fundraisers.

There are three types of special occasions for which a permit may be issued:

Private Event: For events where only invited guests will attend. These events cannot be advertised and there can be no intent to gain or profit from the sale of alcohol at the event.

Public Events: For events that are open to the public. Public events can be advertised and allow for fundraising/profit from the sale of alcohol.

Industry Promotional Events: For events held to promote a manufacturer’s product through sampling. There can be no intent to gain or profit from the sale of alcohol at the event.

Public Event permits can be issued for events of “municipal significance”.

Events/applicants requiring municipal significance by the Township of North Dumfries must obtain a resolution from Township Council. Once a written request is received from the applicant, it will be circulated to various stakeholders for their information and consideration. If there are no objections to the event, the Clerk will include the request on the next Regular Council Agenda. If Council approves by resolution deeming the event to be municipally significant, the Clerk will provide the resolution to the applicant for inclusion with their permit application.

If you are having an event that will require a Council Resolution for municipal significance, please be sure to provide a request in writing to the Clerk at least six (6) to eight (8) weeks before your application is due to the AGCO. The Clerk will advise when the next Regular Council meeting is scheduled. You can also refer to the Council and Committee calendar to review meeting dates.